A plan to make a quick escape after robbing a Turlock convenience store went awry when the getaway driver crashed into another vehicle and left behind the vehicle’s license plate, the Turlock Police Department.

The vital piece of evidence helped Turlock Police detectives arrest Enrique Aaron Reyes, 32, of Turlock on suspicion of robbery and violation of probation.

The robbery was reported to the police department around 3:13 a.m. April 23 at a convenience store in the 1600 block of W. Main Street. According to the police report, a masked Hispanic man came into the store, brandished a handgun and demanded money from the clerk.

After getting the cash, the suspect fled the store and jumped into a silver sedan that was waiting nearby, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Parmley.

The sedan driver was in such a rush to get away from the store that they collided with another vehicle on W. Main Street, Parmley said.

"The sedan continued on and entered northbound Highway 99, leaving its front bumper and license plate behind," Parmley said. "The other motorist also fled the scene."

Around 6:20 a.m. that morning, the sedan was spotted in Modesto and stopped by Stanislaus County Sheriff's deputies.

The woman driving the sedan had to be transported to an area hospital for medical issues. She was later interviewed by detectives, who also took the vehicle into evidence.

"Turlock Police detectives and the Turlock Police Crime Analyst worked on this investigation and were able to obtain a positive identification of the suspect," Parmley said. "A judge authorized a Ramey warrant based on this investigation."

Around 11:38 a.m. Thursday, the detectives and Stanislaus County Probation Officers served a search warrant at a location where Reyes was believed to be residing, located in the 1300 block of North Golden State Boulevard. Reyes was located and arrested during the service of the search warrant. He was later booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on the Ramey warrant for robbery and a probation revocation charge.

Turlock Police Detectives ask that anyone with information call Detective Brandon Bertram at (209) 664-7323. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.